Applicant Profile

Candidates must hold a strong and accredited undergraduate and master’s degree in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, or any other discipline related to the research area in which the PhD thesis will be developed. Applicants must have completed 300 ECTS, of which at least 60 must correspond to an official postgraduate, research-oriented master’s program.

As the PhD program is conducted entirely in English, applicants must provide proof of English language proficiency at level B2 or higher.

In addition, candidates should have:

  • Previous research experience and interest in one of the program’s research areas or specializations, as indicated in the application.
  • A track record of publications in a related area (advantageous but not mandatory).
  • Strong skills in continuous, self-directed, and autonomous learning.
     

Please, check our FAQ page
 

Admission Procedure and Criteria

Admission to the ICT PhD program is competitive. The department offers approximately 40 new PhD positions per year, subject to availability by potential supervisors (Principal Investigators, PIs). Applicants are advised to prepare their applications well in advance and to submit early. In particular, candidates from outside the EU are strongly encouraged to apply before the fourth application period to allow sufficient time for visa arrangements.

Before applying, students should:

  1. Identify one or more ICT research supervisors whose interests align with their own.
  2. Contact the selected supervisor(s) to discuss potential PhD topics and available funding opportunities.
  3. If a supervisor considers the candidate to be a strong fit, they may arrange an online interview and provide a support letter

During the selection process, the Academic Committee will evaluate applications primarily based on the candidate’s curriculum vitae (CV). Applications with a support letter will be given priority, and candidates will initially be assigned to the supervisor who issued the letter.

The program offers a limited number of fellowships and teaching assistantships. Only candidates admitted to the PhD program are eligible for these opportunities. Therefore, each fellowship application must be submitted alongside an application to the ICT PhD program.


How to apply?

To apply to the ICT PhD program, please visit the UPF Doctoral Programmes website.

Please check:


Useful information for International Students

  • When to apply: International applicants are strongly encouraged to apply in the first or second round to allow sufficient time for visa processing and relocation.

  • Admission and visa letter: Letters of admission and visa support will be sent via email and standard post after official acceptance into the doctoral program.
  • Document legalization: Legalization of academic documents is not required for the application process. However, students from outside the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) must legalize their academic documents in their country of origin before enrollment in October.
  • Living in Barcelona: Admitted students will receive a welcome pack by email with pre-arrival and orientation information. Additional information can be found on the UPF website: Living in Barcelona.